This page gives a brief overview of Asheville area microbreweries and the specialty beers each is best known for producing.

High gravity beer is a term used to label brews that exceed the standard 6% alcohol by volume for (most beer) brewed and served in the state of North Carolina. Breweries, taprooms and brew pubs indicate the exact amount of alcohol contained in a beer on menus or display boards. Some establishments will even serve high gravity beer in smaller glasses than the standard pint glass, encouraging beer lovers to consume high gravity beer in smaller servings.

This California brewery opened this east coast location in 2014, using sustainable practices to help maintain the beauty of Mill's River. The location holds the expansive brewery, a gift shop, and a taproom. The taproom offers creative twists on pub food made with local ingredients, as well as a large green space outside that is a perfect spot for a breezy afternoon beer. There is also a outdoor live music stage. You may also tour the brewery 10 - 5pm Monday through Saturday, Sunday 12 - 5pm. The taproom is open Monday through Thursday 11 - 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11 to10pm, Sunday 12 - 9pm.

This popular brewery and pizza place has three locations: one on Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville, another in Downtown Asheville at Coxe Avenue, and a carry out/delivery location on Hendersonville Rd. near Gerber Village (only a 6 minute drive from us). Some local favorite craft brews include: Shiva, Ninja and Rocket Girl. Relax with a pitcher and watch the game at the Downtown location; or, see a movie in the theater while you eat at the North Asheville location. The Merrimon Avenue location is open from 11 a.m. – Midnight everyday and the Downtown Coxe Avenue location is open from Mon-Thurs. 11 a.m. – Midnight; Fri. 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sat. Noon-2 a.m. and Sun. from Noon-Midnight.

Located in the Fairview (East) section of Asheville, this brewery is known for showcasing local musicians. The tasting room is open from 1- 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. French Broad Beer most popular with locals includes the IPA and the Wee Heavy-er Scotch Style Ale (7%). Hours are 1-8 p.m. Mon. – Sat.

Also located in East Asheville, near Haw Creek, Highland Brewing Company is Asheville’s first local brewery. Every beer on Highland’s list is excellent. The brewery is known mainly for the Gaelic Ale and Saint Terese’s Pale Ale. Tasgall Ale (8%) is Highland’s high gravity beer and Cold Mountain is the best-known seasonal brew. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday from 4-8 p.m.

Green Man Ale was originally a brew pub: Jack of the Wood, on Patton Avenue in Downtown Asheville. In 2010, new ownership spurred growth in the list of handcrafted brews, while maintaining the Green Man label. Green man is known for producing IPA, ESB, Pale and Porter beers of excellent quality. Jack of the Wood opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 2 p.m.

Located in nearby Black Mountain, Pisgah Brewing Company taps are in many Asheville establishments. Pisgah’s IPA and Pale Ale have been popular choices for locals for years. The taproom is open Mon., Tues, & Wed. 4-9 p.m.; Thurs. &Fri. 2 p.m. – Midnight; Sat. 12 p.m. – Midnight and Sun. 2-9 p.m. Pisgah Brewing Company also features a selection of local and regional musicians inside the taproom and off-site.

Though the Thirsty Monk was designed to be Asheville’s first Belgian Beer Bar, the list of beers on tap now includes American handcrafted beer, too. Thirsty Monk serves food, tap and bottled beer. The Pub boasts of 62 taps with a New Belgium Dig and Avery Karma as the current selections of Belgium Beer. Thirsty Monk also serves high gravity brews and features performances by local musicians. It’s located in Downtown Asheville, on the corner of Coxe and Patton Avenues. Hours are: Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m. – Midnight; Fri. 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Sun. 3-10 p.m.

One of Asheville’s newest hot spots, The LAB, is a microbrewery known for serving Belgian White Ale, LAB IPA, and Chocolate Stout. Open-air patio style seating, local music, and an excellent menu make the LAB a great place for dinner or a pint. The LAB is located at the bottom of Lexington Avenue in Downtown Asheville and is open from 11:30 – 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 12- 2 a.m. Sunday.

Opened in 2009, this new microbrewery operates out of The Lobster Trap restaurant. The intention of the brew master, Billy Klingel, was to create a brew that was complementary to oysters. The emphasis in this type of brew is roasted barley and chocolate malts. Beer lovers will find the UpsideDown Brown is a good example of this, along with the Moonstone Stout, which is actually brewed with oysters. The Lobster Trap is open everyday at 5 p.m. and is located at 35 Patton Avenue, in Downtown Asheville.

Located in the heart of the River Arts District, downstairs in the Wedge Building, this notorious brewery is also known as the art bar. It is open from Mon.-Thurs. 4-10 p.m., Friday 3-10 p.m. and Sun. 2 – 10 p.m. The Wedge offers local artists, visitors and neighbors a place to have a pint and talk. The Wedge’s indoor tasting room is tiny. Most guests sit on the large front porch or the patio adorned with hand wrought iron sculpture and fencing. Eat some complimentary peanuts and catch some local music on the patio. Popular microbrews include: Belgian Abbey Ale (7.2%), Iron Rail IPA (7.3%) and Russian Imperial Stout (9.3%). The Wedge serves a long and changing list of high gravity brews.

Wicked Weed Brewing

Relatively new on the scene Wicked Weed has taken Asheville in force with its Belgian and West Coast style IPA's. Most recently Wicked Weed just had their Serenity beer win gold at the 2013 GABF for American Style Brett. Serenity will be their first beer that they will be bottling.

Altamount Brewing Co.

A favorite spot in West Asheville, Alamount provides a wide variety of regional beers on tap. They have recently started to brew their own beer with help from a former six year brewer of Flagstaff Brewing Company. They offer anything from IPA, American Pale, Amber, Stout, Porter and many more. With a laid back atmosphere that includes games, music and events it is a great place to have a good time.

Hi-Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire aims to embraces their craft and be independent and authentic as possible. They have a tasting and are located in the heart of Asheville's "Brewing District" which puts them right in the middle of it all.

Burial Beer Company

Burial Beer opened in June 2013. With a traditional German lager and Belgian ales style along with a creative bold American style makes this a brewery to try. Watch the historical way these beers are brewed. They add a modern touch with new materials and brewing techniques while still keeping the traditional taste.

Bruisin' Ales

Bruisin' Ales is a beer only store with a stock of over 1000 brews from all over the world. This shop is in the heart of downtown and is a treasure trove for any beer lover. You can find any beer you would want from rare beers you have never seen to exceptional seasonal beers. If you are looking to try a couple different beers then the mix-a-six pack would be the choice for you.

Oskar Blues Brewery

Located in Brevard, North Carolina which is a great fit for them since they were founded in the small town of Lyons, CO. With a down home vibe, great music and wonderful food it makes it a has to spot to stop if in the area. Oskar Blues has made a name for themselves by combining craft beer with canned beer creating favorites such as Dale's Pale Ale, Mama's Little Yella Pils and Old Chub.

Blue Mountain Pizza & Brew Pub

Blue Mountain Pizza restaurant is a true treasure in the quaint town of Weaversville, NC just about 5 miles north of Asheville. Very friendly staff, and a great menu to choose from. Tables outside let you watch Main Street's foot traffic. Live music every night except Sunday. So looking for a bar with the feel of WNC make a ride out to Blue Mountain Pizza and Brew Pub.

Catawba Brewing

Catawba is just off the Biltmore grounds in a somewhat industrial area. The tap room is open with ample seating, and there were roughly a dozen beers on tap. The staff is attentive and pleasant conversationalists. There are eateries in the same complex, across the street, just down the road, etc. This was a fun and pleasant stop on anyones tour de Asheville.